Patents by Inventor Robert D. Davis, Jr.

Robert D. Davis, Jr. has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5644903
    Abstract: A single lever handle control mechanism constrained to pivot about two perpendicular axes to control forward, reverse, speed and steering of the mower. By this constraint to the movement of the lever handle, inadvertent movement of the lever handle is less likely to occur when the mower is bouncing over uneven terrain. Forward or backward movement of the lever handle is constrained about a single transverse axis. Right or left movement of the lever handle about the longitudinal axis effects steering of the mower. The longitudinal axis is constrained to move in a single plane perpendicular to the transverse axis. As an option a second lever handle, constrained as the first lever handle and linked to the first lever handle may be provided for control from a second location. With a lever handle on each side of the operator the mower can be fully controlled with either hand. The lever handle control is most advantageously applied to a zero turn radius riding lawn mower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventor: Robert D. Davis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5494006
    Abstract: A dirt and debris screen for liquid cooled internal combustion engines comprises a disc or shallow formed cup of perforated mesh attached to the fan hub or fan shaft just upstream of the radiator and fan. Rotating at fan speed dirt and debris collected by the disc is centrifugally ejected from the edge of the disc and thereby prevented from entering the air passages through the radiator. The centrifugal ejection also makes the disc substantially self-cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Inventor: Robert D. Davis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4607406
    Abstract: A combination tool for automobile use having components foldable into an elongated body, the tool being usable for tire replacement and screw jack operation. An elongated body of U transverse cross section includes an annular socket pivotally affixed at one end for connection to a hexagonal bolt or jack screw head, and a handle is pivotally connected to the body other end movable between crank handle positions and an extended position in alignment with the body length. A lock slide is selectively positionable upon the body between positions retaining the handle within the body and locking the handle in alignment with the body length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1986
    Assignee: Ryerson & Haynes, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert D. Davis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4429515
    Abstract: The invention comprises an improved lawn mowing machine with a forward mounted mower deck including a plurality of rotary cutters. The blades or cutters rotate in opposite direction on opposite sides of the deck to bring the grass clippings to a deck mounted central vacuum. The mower blades are driven by a belt drive to eliminate expensive drive shafts and gearboxes. Applicant's 45.degree. twist belt drive geometry provides increased life to the belt over prior art 90.degree. twist belt drive geometries.The mower deck includes novel side mower wings. A combined clutch and brake mechanism disengages the drive belt to the wing blade spindle and simultaneously brings the blade to a stop within one second when the wing is raised beyond its cutting range. The wing deck is attached to the mower central deck by a depressed hinge substantially close to the elevation of the mower blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1984
    Inventors: Robert D. Davis, Jr., James S. Schucker
  • Patent number: 4395865
    Abstract: The invention comprises an improved lawn mowing machine for large expanses of grass around apartment complexes, commercial facilities and golf courses. The mower is self propelled with a forward mounted mower deck including a plurality of rotary cutters. The blades or cutters rotate in opposite directions on opposite sides of the deck to bring the grass clippings to a deck mounted central vacuum. The mower blades are driven by a belt drive to eliminate expensive drive shafts and gearboxes. Applicant's 45.degree. twist belt drive geometry provides increased life to the belt over prior art 90.degree. twist belt drive geometries.The mower deck includes novel side mower wings. A combined clutch and brake mechanism disengages the drive belt to the wing blade spindle and simultaneously brings the blade to a stop within one second when the wing in raised beyond its cutting range. The wing deck is attached to the mower central deck by a depressed hinge substantially close to the elevation of the mower blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1983
    Inventors: Robert D. Davis, Jr., James S. Schucker